Euro 2012 preview: Italy

June 6, 2012

Italy's possible starting line-up

In many ways, Cesare Prandelli isnt a typical Italian coach. Hes a highly intelligent man, but one doesnt think of him as a pure tactician like Marcello Lippi, Giovanni Trapattoni or Fabio Capello. Hes of an Arsene Wenger figure he wants an overall, attacking philosophy rather than lots of specific tactics, and likes developing young players to suit his footballing identity. He has attempted to move Italy towards a more positive style of play. Thats partly because its Prandellis natural style as coach, but also because Italy dont have the secure defenders were accustomed to. The days of Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini have gone Italy have good defenders, but not great ones. Theyre more blessed in midfield. Prandelli explains: Many of the players felt that the time had come to play I wont say a different type of game because, in football, there is nothing new but something else. Given that I have plenty of quality midfielders, I felt we should play to our strengths and with these players that means a much more attacking game. Midfield rotation However, Italys problem is that they lack good wide players to play a four-man midfield. This isnt a new problem, and even when they won the World Cup in 2006 they played a central midfielder (Simone Perrotta) on one flank, and an

Argentine (Mauro Camoranesi) on the other. However, theyve generally compensated for that with a world class number ten, allowing them to play a 4-3-1-2 or a 3-4-1-2, basing their play around a Roberto Baggio or Francesco Totti figure. Prandelli doesnt really have that type of player either Antonio Cassano plays higher up, Sebastian Giovincos international experience is limited and Alessandro Diamanti still doesnt seem like a serious option, despite his inclusion in the squad. Prandellis compromise has been interesting he wants a constantly rotating midfield, making up for lack of a nominated central playmaker with movement and fluidity. That was obvious when he played 4-3-3 (the preferred formation at the start of his reign), and the experiment has continued with the midfield diamond hes been using recently. The player at the base of the diamond, the fabulous Andrea Pirlo, stays in position and sprays passes forward. But the other three players probably Daniele De Rossi and Claudio Marchisio as the shuttlers, and Riccardo Montolivo nominally at the top switch around. Its an unusual system that is more fascinating than it is truly effective, and it doesnt completely disguise the fact the Italy dont have a true trequartista. Montolivo is a talented yet frustrating player who has never quite found his best position even after years of playing under Prandelli for Fiorentina and its arguable that he doesnt offer anything not provided by the other three midfielders. Still, if his movement is intelligent he can drag players around and create space for the runs of De Rossi and Marchisio, who are both excellent at steaming into the box. Further forward, in a strike duo that is probably the most naturally gifted yet most troublesome in the tournament, Prandelli is putting his faith in Cassano, who will play as an inside-left, and Mario Balotelli, who is the primary centreforward but tends to move into the channels. Back three? But this assumes that Prandelli will play the 4-3-1-2 system. In fact, he retains that Italian penchant for switching systems late in the day which provides great tactical interest. Hes the only coach in the tournament who seems unsure of his best formation, and also the only coach who will probably go with something other than a 4-4-2, a 4-2-3-1 or a 43-3. The other option is a 3-5-2. This would see the same forward duo, one player probably Montolivo dropped from the midfield, and a back three combined with wing-backs. A week ago, this made great sense because it meant Prandelli could field an all-Juventus back three of Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli, ahead of Juves goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. However, this is less likely because of the news that Barzagli will miss a significant part of the tournament with a calf strain. De Rossi could drop deep he showed this season for Roma that he can play there, but its clearly not his best position. Defence And so we return to the idea of a diamond in midfield, and a back four. It will still be an all-Juventus centre-back pairing of Chiellini and Bonucci, and with Domenico Criscito omitted due to his involvement in the current match-fixing probe in Italy, Palermos Federico Balzaretti will play (he would have battled Chiellini for that role, but Chiellini is now needed in the centre). On the opposite flank will be Napolis Christian Maggio. Both these players are extremely energetic and forwardthinking Maggio has been used as a wing-back rather than a full-back for the last few years as Napoli, while Balzaretti has often got through a lot of running in Palermos narrow systems. With a midfield diamond probable, Italy need consistent support from full-back, and the onus upon these players to get forward is huge. Pirlo

That could leave the Italian defence exposed, often without protection from full-back, and while Pirlo has been superb for Juventus in that lone holding role this season, hes not the best player defensively nor the most mobile, and may be overawed with direct counter-attacks through the centre of the pitch. Hell need support from higher up, with De Rossi and Marchisio expected to close down energetically, yet also scamper back and protect the defence. But lets not imply that Pirlo is Italys weak link hes their key player. His ability to hit accurate long balls (with either foot) into the feet of the strikers is Italys best asset, and when combined with the runs of Cassano and Balotelli, he could be one of the tournaments star performers. Bench Italy also have attacking variety. Fabio Borini is a clever wide forward, another who makes good runs (and would be perfect if Prandelli wants to switch to a 4-3-3), while Antonio Di Natale isnt really fancied by Prandelli, but would be a constant menace and a natural finisher. Giovinco and Diamanti, again, provide different options. Prandellis problem isnt variety, but outright quality. Conclusion Italy dont have enough players who guarantee top-level performances, and therefore theyre relying upon the strategy of their coach to have a significant impact upon this tournament. Prandellis preference for unusual formations (in the context of this tournament) means Italy will provide an interesting challenge for their opponents, who might struggle to cope with a diamond. Quick guide Coach Cesare Prandelli Formation Probably 4-3-1-2 Key player Andrea Pirlo Strength Good possession play Weakness The absence of two key starters from the defence, plus no reliable number ten Key tactical question What formation does Prandelli play? Key quote Prandelli: The feeling was that we needed to evolve our style, to try and play a little more on the front foot.